British troops snapping up e-book viewers?

Bookworms and tech fans aren't the only ones buying e-book viewers, it seems. A British Army source has reportedly claimed that soldiers based in Afghanistan are lapping up the gadgets.

E-book viewers, such as Sony’s PRS-505 and imported versions of Amazon’s Kindle, are the most popular Christmas present request amongst British soldiers serving in the region, according to a report by PC Pro.

One soldier was allegedly advised by his company commander to get an e-book viewer instead of an iPod, because e-book viewers are silent and won’t block his hearing.

E-book viewers could also help soldiers replace bulky and heavy paper-based books. But we doubt the Kindle will become standard issue kit just yet.

Hopefully e-book viewer-equipped soldiers won't get too lost in good e-titles while out on patrol, though, considering all the war-based novels on offer - such as War and Peace and The Art of War. ®